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INEC hails converted polling units for providing access to PWDs, others
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its ongoing expansion of existing polling units would enhance access to voting centres by People with Disabilities (PWDs) and new settlements.
The commission also cited other beneficiaries to include voters in overcrowded polling units and those that would take advantage of the up-coming Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), to change their voting centres to where they reside.
Dr Emeka Ononamadu, the INEC’s Enugu state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), stated this in a statement on Saturday, in Enugu.
Our correspondent recalls that on April 30, INEC announced the expansion of polling units in the state from 2,958 to 4,147; following conversion of the existing 1,189 voting points to full-fledged polling units.
Ononamadu explained that the new polling units, created by a strict adherence to the guidelines for conversion, was meant to curb overcrowding and inadequate voters’ access to polling units.
He said that some of the present locations of polling units made access almost impossible, particularly for PWDs, adding that such polling units would be reviewed and properly relocated.
“You are aware that since the last time polling units were created, lots of new settlements, residential areas, layouts, living squares and other new areas where Nigerians do businesses have come up.
“What has happened is that these new areas have not been served with any polling unit. This has led to voters going too far from their residence or experienced congestion, due to very high number of registered voters in a polling unit,’’ he said.
The REC explained that the guidelines for the creation of polling units had provided the conditions for the siting of such units in a location, to include being a public place, preferably, centrally located and accessible; and non-sectarian, such as community halls, health centres, court premises, public recreation centres, among others.
“Spacious facilities that can comfortably sit election officials, party agents, election observers and other legitimate election staff.
“And adequately covered locations such as classrooms and halls; and locations or facilities that can take more than one polling unit,’’ are the other considerations, he said.
Ononamadu said that the new locations for new polling units identified would be subjected to verification and a stakeholder engagement.
“The commission will interact with relevant stakeholders to bring them up to speed with what the commission is doing in that direction.
“The same standard and guideline applied in Enugu State is also applicable all over the federation.
“Therefore, your support, through correction of any falsehood that may emerge, is what we need at the moment,’’ he added.
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London Property Dispute Exposes Alleged Corruption, Forgery by Nigerian Politician and Lawyer
By Hassan Taiye
A recent judgment by the UK’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has shed light on a complex web of alleged corruption and forgery involving a Nigerian politician and a senior lawyer. The case revolves around a disputed property in North London, valued at 79 Randall Avenue.
The property was purchased in 1993 under the name “Tali Shani,” which is allegedly an alias for late General Jeremiah Useni, a powerful member of the Abacha regime. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, claimed the property was gifted to him by “Mr. Tali Shani” in 2021 as payment for legal services. However, the tribunal dismissed this claim, describing it as “fabricated” and “fraudulent.”
The tribunal’s ruling highlights the alleged involvement of Ozekhome and his associates in fabricating documents, including a Nigerian passport, National Identification Number (NIN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN). The NIN was reportedly created remotely from Monaco using a non-compliant photograph and bypassing biometric requirements ¹.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Ozekhome and others over alleged fraud, forgery, and unlawful attempt to acquire the London property. The ICPC has launched an investigation, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has also taken notice of the case ²
Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN Senior lawyer accused of forgery and attempting to acquire the property through fraudulent means.
General Jeremiah Useni Late Nigerian General allegedly behind the purchase of the property under the alias “Tali Shani.”
Osilama Ozekhome*: Ozekhome’s son, implicated in the alleged forgery and fraud.
L-r Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola; Senate Deputy Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senate Whip Tahir Monguno and Senate Committee Chairman on Financial Institutions, Tokunbo Abiru, after resumption of plenary yesterday. Photo: Senate President’s Office
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet amid a growing controversy surrounding his academic credentials.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement issued late Tuesday.
Nnaji’s exit follows mounting allegations that his academic certificates were forged. Investigations revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree he claimed to possess, stating that he never completed his studies at the institution and was therefore not issued any certificate.
According to UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but failed to meet the requirements for graduation.
In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly disowned the certificate of national service presented by Nnaji, describing it as fake.
His resignation marks the latest in a series of controversies to hit the Tinubu administration over questions of integrity and accountability among public officials.
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